Welsh Gay Friendly Rugby Club Scoop Stonewall Award

Wales' only gay-friendly rugby club, the Cardiff Lions, tonight scooped the 2013 Stonewall Sports Award of the Year at a ceremony in London. The team was held up by the Award judging panel for their work to defy stereotypes and support gay people in sport.

Cardiff Lions saw off tough competition from across Britain – including Arsenal FC and Claire Balding – to be named winners of the annual Award, which is supported by Paddy Power.

As this year’s Union Cup Plate Winners, the team defeated rugby teams from across Europe. They welcome all men –irrespective of sexual orientation – and are already training for August 2014 for the Bingham Cup.

The Stonewall Awards, which are supported by Gender Gap, celebrated the outstanding contribution of individuals and groups towards equality over the past year. Other categories included Hero of the Year, Broadcast of the Year and Journalist of the Year.

Andrew White, Director of Stonewall Cymru said: ‘This is wonderful news for a fantastic team of men. They are not only great rugby players, they are passionate about their sport and about including everyone in it. Our research shows that clubs like the lions really do make a difference when 75 per cent of gay people regularly hear homophobic ‘banter’, and where one in eight gay people have experienced physical abuse in sports simply for being gay.’